It lies on the site of an ancient Arabian fortress. Read more. For sunrise, I highly recommend taking the short walk from Posada San Jose to near the castle ruins. See the Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses) Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses) Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hanging Houses are the most emblematic and famous spot in Cuenca. This is a part of Spain where English isnt so common, which I love, but with just basic Spanish to get by with, I did find myself using google translate, especially when trying to book tours, to fully understand what was on offer. The best ways to save money when visiting. Alfonso VIII, ruler of Castile from 1158, made the city a hub for culture and textile trade. Is cuenca spain worth visiting? The cathedral was built on the site of the former Arab mosque. Taxi- Cuenca city has a small number of taxis, but theyre hard to come by. The train actually goes from Madrid to Alicante, but its first stop is in Cuenca. Cuenca, Ecuador, is a wonderful place to visit with your family because of its beautiful landscapes, architectural splendor, and rich history. Really, this part is very nice, especially for children. The best areas for shopping when visiting. The rooms have a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, free WiFi, as well as a minibar. The monumental city, home to a centuries-old university, is in the World Heritage Site list. If youre planning on traveling to Spain, there are several things you should keep in mind. Thank you. Your email address will not be published. It's almost completely flat, too, so cycling through the city's labyrinthine streets, pedestrianised squares, parks and promenades is easy for people of all abilities. During Holy Week, visitors can also enjoyCuenca's Religious Music Week, a festival of great international renown. While the building may be old, the interior has been modernised to create a pleasant atmosphere. But the views that this bridge provides of the Hanging Houses and the city skyline are unbeatable. The most famous currently houses the Museo de Arte Abstracto Espaol which you can visit while in Cuenca for the day. Located in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha, this Cuenca dates back to pre-Roman times. Having completely fallen in love with Cuenca, reemerging to the modern world was a sad shock to the system, and just an hour later I was transported back to Madrid. Learn how your comment data is processed. Enter the Cathedral of Cuenca. From the cafe bar, you can enjoy views of the medieval portion of the city. A visit to the Cuenca Zip Line, home to Europes longest urban double zip line, is a must. It has three ports: Puerto de Ginesta (one of the largest marinas in Europe), Garraf and Aiguadol. There is also a seasonal pool for guests to make use of during their stay. The onsite restaurant serves traditional Mediterranean food and a delicious buffet breakfast is provided each morning. Here you can see some models of dinosaurs and other animals, which lived some time ago. What is the name of the app you use that shows the names of building and points of interest during your video? A wonderfull walking experience at the Callejones de las Majadas. The brightly coloured Alfonso VIII street winds down the mountain and the various shades of houses make for a fantastic photo opportunity. This post contains affiliate links. Sitges. Royal Residence of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, https://www.esmadrid.com/sites/default/files/plano_turistico_cuenca.pdf. Top! If abstract art isnt really your thing, there are some other great spots in which you can see the casas colgadas! How do you get to Cuenca? Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha. What is the best way to get around in Cuenca, Spain? Take Calle Trabuco north from the Plaza Mayor until you see an arch. There are some buses that run up and down the main street of the city. In under an hour I would be transported from the teeming tapas bars of Madrid to the laid-back, medieval vibes of Cuenca. Discover all the most unmissable sights when you visit this city-landscape, famous for its Hanging Houses. Segovia is a World Heritage City, with unique sights that are worth a trip in themselves. What neighbourhoods or areas should I stay in when I visit Cuenca, Spain? Ruins is a very loose word here, as little remains of the old Arabian wall that surrounded the city, nor of the Christian, Fortress which followed. There are several companies that make them but I will highlight Winebus (https://www.winebus.es/en/) that makes 10-hour tours with traditional foods like the tapas and complementary activities in addition to the tasting of these wines. Cuenca, a city of 54,000, is a magnificent location for travelers seeking a distinct perspective. Hope you had a great time :). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Is Cuenca, Spain, a good place for solo travel? , Located in the centre of Old Town, youll be close to all the main historical attractions that Cuenca is loved for. What are the best outdoor activities in Cuenca? This way you can find out all about taking a day trip from Madrid to Cuenca and decide for yourself if it is something you want to do while traveling in Spain. It ended up collapsing and another was built of iron and wood at the beginning of the 20th century, taking advantage of the old foundations. Dulce de higo- Panela/piloncillo or brown cane sugar and spices make spiced fig preserves. Well worth visiting on this bank of the river is the city's Parador hotel, . All rights reserved. In the courtyard outside, and from the terrace of the Cathedral, youll find some equally impressive panorama views. Be sure to rent your car well in advance to take advantage of discounts. Review of: Puente de San Pablo (Saint Paul Bridge), Review of: Historic Walled Town of Cuenca, Review of: Museo de Arte Abstracto Espanol, Review of: Museo de Paleontologia de Castilla-La Mancha, Review of: Museo de las Ciencias de Castilla la Mancha en Cuenca, Review of: Los Rascacielos de Cuenca Barrio San Martin, Museo de Paleontologia de Castilla-La Mancha, See all attractions in Cuenca on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in Cuenca on Tripadvisor, See all day trips from Cuenca on Tripadvisor, See all kid friendly things to do in Cuenca on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Puente de San Pablo (Saint Paul Bridge), Hotels near Historic Walled Town of Cuenca, Hotels near Museo de Arte Abstracto Espanol, Hotels near Mirando pa Cuenca - Visitas y excursiones guiadas, Hotels near Museo de las Ciencias de Castilla la Mancha en Cuenca, Hotels near Cuenca-Fernando Zbel Station, Puente de San Pablo (Saint Paul Bridge): Tickets & Tours, Museo de Arte Abstracto Espanol: Tickets & Tours, Historic Walled Town of Cuenca: Tickets & Tours, Mirador Barrio del Castillo: Tickets & Tours, Fundacin Antonio Prez: Tickets & Tours, Las Ruinas del Castillo de Cuenca: Tickets & Tours, Teatro Auditorio de Cuenca: Tickets & Tours, Things to do near Castillo de Castillo de Garcimunoz, Things to do near Mirador de Camilo Jose Cela, Things to do near Parroquia de El Salvador, Things to do near La Aventura de Cabrejas, Things to do near Hotel Rural La villa Don Quijote, Private Crab Island Pontoon Charter with Inflatables, ATV Tours at Nellis Dunes from Las Vegas ATV Tours, Mallorca Catamaran Small Group Cruise with Tapas, Jungle Canopy Zipline Costa Rica From Dreams Las Mareas (spider Monkey Zipline), Finding Nemo - Half Day Cruise to South Sea Island, Private transportation service from Cartagena to Palomino. The Castilla-La Mancha Paleontology Museum is a must-stop. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Spains most magnificent medieval cities. Its only about 13 each way and takes about 2 hours. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Palace of Los Golfines de Abajo. The city and atmosphere though provides countless other reasons to venture here. At 8 am on a December morning, I felt like I was the king of the castle, as not a single other soul was to be seen. While many would make this journey as a day trip from Madrid, I was excited to spend a weekend in Cuenca soaking up every little corner of its Spanish soul. The city is connected via steep cobbled streets, and there are plenty of Cuenca attractions to explore, such as the medieval castle ruins. Also, if you walk around all ruins, in the fairest point from the entrance, you can see wonderful views of Gritos River and their meanders. Any of these options will take you between 1-2 hours to get from Madrid to Cuenca. The Tnel Alfonso VIII are secret passageways that run underground and were discovered decades ago. guidance. And while its a bit further away and more expensive to get to, we recommend a day trip from Madrid to Cuenca more than the more popular one to Toledo. Also, in the museum you can learn about the history of the region and see some skeletons and fossils. Take your time to stop and enjoy the view of the Parador, river gorge, casas colgadas, mountains, and simply Cuenca in all of its majestic glory. Yes loved Cuenca! #15 in Best Places to Visit in Spain. The colourful houses, town hall, and Cuenca Cathedral dominate Plaza Mayor, which is a central hub in the old part of the city. See all Tour to Cuenca and the Enchanted City from Madrid 27 Take in the scenery from the top of Cerro del Socorro, the Mirador. How long does it take to walk from Posada San Jose (Im staying there too) to the Castle ruins? See the gorgeous skyline, shaped by buildings that date back to the 13th-century as you walk the steep cobbled streets. The new one is located south-west of the old portion and theyre divided by the Hucar River. It is an experience with a path spanning 445 metres at a height of 120 metres and a speed of 75km per hour. The hotel is located close to many of the historic attractions as well as the citys Old Town. Getting from Madrid to Cuenca by car will take about 2 hours. Take time to view the audio/visual exhibit that gives much insight into the significance of the museum to the art scene here. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". If youre not up for a hike, you can also drive to the top, but hiking allows you to take in a variety of views along the way. Cuenca's gastronomy is marked by the province's natural surroundings, and mixes the raw materials of this Manchego town (particularly game) with those of Cuenca's mountain ranges. Cuenca has many routes and walks, among which the St. Julian Hermitage Path and Vantage Points can be highlighted,a leisure area with fountains and lush vegetation whose path to the hermitage is a classified path (SL CU11),or the Zarza Cave Path, apanoramic route that crosses the gorge of the River Hucar with views of the old quarter, and which starts at the former St. Pauls Convent (now a National Tourism Parador). 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. The Museo Paleontolgico De Cuenca provides one incredible dinosaur experience. Off-season travel is a good time to visit. From the pastel-hued houses on Plaza Mayor to the hours I spent admiring sunset from the castle ruins, Cuenca was the perfect 48-hour escape from reality and one of my favourite, slightly more off-the-beaten-path Spain spots! The building work, both inside and out, has been ongoing since the day the Cathedral opened, which is why there is such a range of styles ranging from neo-Gothic to Baroque. The southern coast and the Galpagos are sunniest and warmest from December through to May. From Fernando Zobel, a new terminal specifically built for high-speed rail, a bus, at the cost of 2.15, will bring you to the heart of the old city in under 30 minutes. The casas colgadas in Cuenca are quite literally hanging houses as they are built right over the gorge on the eastern side of the city with wooden balconies that hang over the edge of the cliff. The top attractions to visit in Cuenca are: The best outdoor activities in Cuenca according to Tripadvisor travelers are: The best day trips from Cuenca according to Tripadvisor travelers are: The most popular things to do in Cuenca with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Things to Do in Cuenca, Spain - Cuenca Attractions, Do visit the tourist information center at the front of, These create a triptych of views that are as much a work of art as the, How the houses were built and hanging off, Very nice modern bridge with views of Casas Colgadas. To get to the city center from the train station, you will have to take either a bus L1 or a taxi (12). Visit the Palace and the Gardens of the Royal Site and Town of Aranjuez, a town close to Madrid which has historically been linked to royalty. Discover the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes and the old Universidad Complutense, a World Heritage Town that is closely tied to the history of the Spanish language. Inside, you will find the imposing towers of the main hall, basking in the colourful light of the stain glass windows. Loved your You Tube videos on cities in Spain. Additionally, there are world-class art museums and festivals in Cuenca. I really have to change that one day :-). The picturesque Casas Colgadas of Cuenca . Tourists in Madrid and Valencia unanimously agree that this is a must-see attraction. Discover the spectacular aqueduct and enjoy the food of this World Heritage city. What to visit. It is very nice, especially at night, when it is lighted. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It was the first Gothic cathedral of Castile and is built in Anglo-Norman style. It is famous because of the large number of the faithful who line the streets, and it reaches its climax in the Plaza Mayor. This city-come-landscape famous for its Hanging Houses is less than one hour from Madrid by train. Visiting the 'Los Callejones de Las Majadas'. Cuenca and Toledo one day tour from Madrid with a private guide. The Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral are also worth visiting. Inside the cathedral is really wonderful, chapels, the altar and a lot of fantastic columns. Obsessed with exploring the world, meeting amazing people (and goats) and getting as lost as possible with my camera. The population of Cuenca continued to grow thanks to its prosperous textile and agricultural activity and, as a result, had to extend outside its walls. Overview Europe Spain The 12 Best Day Trips From Madrid By Lindsey Zimmerman Updated on 06/04/19 Madrid is a world within a city, offering a thriving cultural atmosphere, great shopping and sightseeing, and unforgettable food. The Hanging Houses of Cuenca are the most famous attraction in the city, and thus usually top the things to do in Cuenca lists. In fact, it seems that a street gets wider and it is very nice. as a family with kids, sometimes the best trip is to a nearby town, where you can calm down, study some local history, and discover! The city of Cuenca is split into two parts, new Cuenca, which is where the stations and many stores are, sits underneath the shadow of old Cuenca, both literally and figuratively. Its steep streets, unaltered proof of its medieval past, as well as its consideration as a city-come-landscape, gained it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. There are some steep streets that are challenging, but most have a sidewalk. 0. . Follow(function(d, s, id) {var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if (d.getElementById(id)) return;js = d.createElement(s);js.id = id;js.src = "https://www.bloglovin.com/widget/js/loader.js?v=1";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, "script", "bloglovin-sdk")). Cuenca, Spain, is famous for its hanging houses, which perch precariously over a river valley, clinging to the rocky slopes of the cliffs. It is home to 200 small exhibition pieces, which are truly interesting to learn about. Theres an onsite restaurant that serves delicious meals in a traditional style dining room, making for a very authentic experience. There are plenty of bars and restaurants within a 5-minute walk of the hotel, so dining out is just as convenient as staying in at this hotel. Here are a few of the best Cuenca, Spain hotel options. The best time to visitCuenca, Spain, is the month ofMay. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking sunrise as Cuenca slowly starts to bathe in the golden glow. What are the most popular things to do in Cuenca with kids? My blog is where I share travel tips, suggestions, and stories focused on European travel adventures! Dinosaurs are an endless source of amazement ffor those of us with a keen interest in history. Review of: Plaza de Toros de Albacete. The original bridge was built of stone in the 16th century. Overall, it is a marvelous, small city with some of the most outstanding views in all of Spain! Other alternative activity that can be developed if you visit Madrid would be to make a wine tour through the surrounding villages visiting the wineries and tasting the most renowned wines (Duero, Rueda ). Very nice. SPAIN Renata Sedmakova/Shutterstock Clare Speak Writer 25 May 2023 View Salamanca is just two hours drive from Madrid, but feels like its a world away. Hi Marina sorry for the late reply I havent had internet and I guess you have already gone. While you could easily spend a weekend in Cuenca, it is definitely possible to do a day trip from Madrid there. They were used as escape routes and hideouts during the Spanish Civil War, and have stood the test of time still in a great condition. To create a new feed, first connect to YouTube using the "Connect to YouTube to Create a Feed" button on the settings page and connect any account. The best areas you should stay in when visiting. There is absolutely no english spoken. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. One positive is that everyting is very close together. Very interesting for adults and children. Construction began at the end of the 12th century and was completed in the middle of the 13th century. Its fun, and nerve-racking, to imagine being one of the first people to stand on the balconies back in the 15th century when they were first built! During the day you can climb some stairs to the top of what remains of the castle wall. An amazing collection. Visit one of the greatest architectural examplesof the Spanish Golden Age, a monumental complex commissioned by Philip II. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in July. For those who arent staying though, you can still go inside and admire the impressive repurposing of this 16th-century monastery and the fancy restaurants is the perfect place to enjoy some lunch in redefined luxury. The low season (flights) to visitCuenca, Spain, is in July, during the hot season. Its elegant architecture and fascinating history offer visitors much to discover. As with many of the historic buildings across the city, a new breath of life has been given to this restored building. Consider going on a stroll. A World Heritage Site, Cuenca is one of Spain's most memorable cities, its old centre a stage set of evocative medieval buildings, many painted in bright colours, stacked on a steep promontory at the meeting of two deep river gorges. If you are here in the summer months, when the days are longer, there are plenty of otherthings to do in Cuencaduring the daylight hours to fill your 48-hour visit with. To read our full disclosure, click here. The only advice I can give is dont look down. Another benefit of BlaBlaCar is that you can mix and match your modes of transportation. Valladolid is a lively provincial Spanish city and a convenient gateway to northern Spain. Bujaco Tower. Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs. If you are taking the train from Madrid to Cuenca for a day trip, one day is definitely enough to see the city because of how quick the trip is. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Having been lucky enough to be in Seville this year for Semana Santa, I was quite intrigued to learn more about this celebration oh holy week in Spain and the small museum filled in my knowledge. Stunning Cathedral in the center of Cuenca, built in the 12th Century. Sitges is a gorgeous town located in the Mediterranean coast (38 km from Barcelona) that belongs to the region of "El Garraf". It was made an episcopal and council seat and began to be governed under a special jurisdiction. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This is important to point out because when you are in the train station, the departures board will say Alicante, not Cuenca, so make sure to check the specific train number. Cerro Del Socorro is a hill located just outside of the city and stands at an elevation of 1147 metres. You, who are real travellers, start looking at the knives they put on the tables in restaurants all over the world, most of them are from Albacete! . When it comes to dining in Spain, you are always in for a treat, with each region boasting its own speciality dishes. I've been lucky enough to turn my passion for travel and photography into my job, and spent four years travelling full time before settling down in Portugal - a far cry from the life I thought I would have when I left my London restaurant managers job. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You will primarily take A-3 to A-40 depending on where you are coming from in Madrid. Instead, take a prime position on top of the karst mountains in their unique shapes, but please, dont get too near the edge! The city is small enough that you can see everything in one day if you are willing to walk around a little bit. This old town is wonderful, in fact it is included in Unesco World Heritage. Starting the day right, the light clouds that hung in the air suddenly were illuminated with dramatic shades of pinks and oranges as the sun rose behind the mountain, as yet not in view. Ill visit Cuenca in a week and would like to ask you a question. Car rentals- Its probably the best method to get to Spain if youre going to rent a car. Museo de las Ciencias de Castilla la Mancha en Cuenca. The perfect balance of white walls and original features compliment the collection of Spanish Abstract Art, and while you cant get onto the hanging balconies, you can see them from the large glass windows. Read our privacy policy for more. Constructed in the 8th century, the ruins of Cuenca Castle are a reminder of the Moorish history here in the city. Photo credit: jonnyjames2/Unsplash. Indeed, its ancient old town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its excellent preservation! Check rates and availability- Hotel Convento Del Giraldo Booking.com. As the sky turned from orange, to pink and then to the most incredible shade of purple, I lost all sense of time admiring the views and taking far too many photos of this postcard-perfect hidden gem. Spain is culture. Discover the amazing walls and the cathedral of this Medieval city where Jews, Christians and Muslims used to live together. Train- The Renfe Cuenca Rail Company serves several major cities daily. This is the Mirador del Barrio del Castillo and is probably the best view in Cuenca. Really, walking around this area is fantastic. This tower is located on the site of the former Arab fortress. Most people visiting Madrid either stay in the city, or opt for more popular day trips from Madrid, like Toledo or Segovia. You must visit Cuenca, Spain, at least once in your lifetime because the historic streets of a city are a popular destination for tourists who enjoy exploring the scenic alleyways and tucked-away corners. Its 100% worth a visit, even if youre just spending one day in Cuenca. If you want to get the most out of this experience, be sure to book a walking tour of Cuenca. Important note: these tours are run in Castellano only! There are some buses that run up and down the main street of the city. NH Ciudad de Cuenca is the epitome of luxury in the perfect Cuenca city setting. For the first evening I suggest enjoying the views from across the iron San Pablo bridge, then dipping into one of the bars on Plaza Mayor for a night-cap before an early night, ready for a (hopefully) awesome sunrise. Attached as part of the 16th-century Parador de Cuenca is the St Pablo Church. Narrow meandering streets separate tall houses with wooden balconies that literally jut out over the sheer cliffs. Is Valencia, Spain Worth Visiting? Roughly 2 kms long, relatively narrow through the rock formations and easy to navigate with a well posted directional route, Extra-ordinary rock formations. Youll look down on the beautiful and historic city of Cuenca, and see its many features. Visita Guiada Por El Casco Histrico De Cuenca Y Su Catedral, Private Tour Cuenca and its Hanging Houses from Madrid, Private excursion from Madrid to Cuenca and the Ciudad Encantada, Private day excursion to Cuenca from Madrid w/ Hotel pick up & drop off, Complete Cuenca Tour: Enchanted City + Visit to Cuenca, Private Day Trip to Toledo and Cuenca from Madrid with Pick up, Day trip to Cuenca with guided tour and entrance to the cathedral. The exact date of its founding and who was responsible for doing so are unknown; what is known is that several tribes passed through it before its Romanization, including the Concani, the Lobetani and the Celtiberians. The Parador collection which spans across Spain has seen many of these impressive old buildings converted into high-end hotels. Avanza is the bus company, and you can buy your ticket directly through their website. Also, from here you can see very nice views of the city. Located in the centre of Old Town, youll be close to all the main historical attractions that Cuenca is loved for. What are the best annual events in Cuenca, Spain? According to previous visitors, one days food and transportation costs averaged $12 and $8.60. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants within a 5-minute walk of the hotel. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. . At least three days are required to thoroughly immerse yourself in this historic region of Spain. Home Europe Spain Cuenca Reasons to visit Cuenca, Spain at least once in your lifetime, Posted on Published: August 13, 2022- Last updated: September 9, 2022. This pedestrian footbridge is particularly scenic during the evening as the sun is setting over the Hucar River Gorge. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. It was built around 1182-1270 and modified till 1902. , is about 911 square km or 352 square miles in size. Youll explore the Jewish Quarter before heading outside of the city to see the famed Hanging Houses. Two days later, when the moment would come to leave Cuenca, it felt bizarre to return down to the modern world. The cutlery Museum in Albacete I am not very fond of museums in my visits to cities but this one is special. Quickly reached from Madrid, Toledo shows how Jews, Muslims and Christians could live together in harmony. Make a reservation just in case. Casa del Sol House. Is Cuenca Worth Visiting? Built in the 16th century, the tower is in excellent condition, and you can explore the small ruins of the fort which also has a few houses in a similar style to the hanging houses nearby, although without the cliff faces. The best way to see Cuenca from the Puente de San Pablo is to head down to the bottom of the river gorge along the Hucar River and then up the road heading to the Parador to see Cuenca from a different angle. Museo de Paleontologia de Castilla-La Mancha. Our goal is to help you have a more authentic travel experience where you can learn about different cultures around the world and not get stuck in tourist traps. And second its exhibits of contemporary abracadabra art mainly by local artists is fantastic. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Nice Information.. Keep Going! Its quite the dramatic sight! It is a fantastic cathedral and very curious, because the main facade does not finished and really it seems unfinished. Most hotels, restaurants, and bars will be pleased to call and arrange a taxi for their visitors. Its also easy to get to and takes just under an hour to, If youre travelling from Madrid, hiring a car for your travels will help you get around within the city too. Cuenca thus passed into Christian hands and its physiognomy changed accordingly. Of course, the main highlight though is the views from the restaurant or balcony, so be sure to take breakfast or dinner here, or both, which I highly recommend.